The Earth Element
In TCM, the Yin aspect of the earth element is associated with the Spleen while the Yang aspect is associated with the stomach. One's spleen sits behind the and to the left of the stomach in the left side of the body cavity behind the ribs. The stomach sits in the left side of the body cavity toward the front and behind the ribs. In TCM the spleen encompasses what western medicine refers to as the spleen and pancreas.
For more information on the Earth Element, the spleen and the stomach, see Chris Shelton's book; 'QiGong for Self-Refinement'.
Spleen Activity
The spleen is most active between 9am and 11am.
Stomach Activity
The stomach is most active between 7am and 9am.
Spleen Cleansing
In the above video, Chris Shelton shows how to practice Spleen cleansing.
Attributes for Practice
Color
Visualize a Yellow/Orange light around your stomach spleen area (left side behind lower ribs).
Negative Emotions
Worry, anxiety, over intellectualization, over thinking things.
Positive Virtues
Serenity, peace of mind, calm 'centeredness/groundedness'.
Healing Sound
Huuu!
Taste
Sweet/Bland.
Sensory Organ
Mouth.
Tongue Placement
Floor of mouth.
Which of the 5 senses?
Touch.
What is it responsible for?
Muscles and fascia of the body.
Optimal Direction
To optimize the effectiveness of Qigong cleansing practices, each element in the 5 element Qigong lineage has a compass direction one should face when practicing it.
When one is practicing Earth element Qigong (cleansing and balancing the spleen and the stomach), no direction is required. Face any direction you want. Our Earth element is the binder, the calm - the element which prevents the other four from tearing us apart.